How to Recover Your Workforce Following Crisis
The initial wave of the COIVD-19 pandemic is behind us, and even though it may be appealing to return to work as swiftly as possible, it’s a good idea to steer clear of hurrying staff members back to work.
Following a crisis, your staff members likely won’t be capable of concentrating entirely on their jobs, at least until the entire pandemic situation is behind them. Bottom line: Your employees deserve time and resources “in these challenging times.”
A Focus on Humanity
Ultimately, every company is about the people: those in the organization and those whom the organization serves. When a crisis strikes, humanity must take priority over business concerns. Communication and understanding can go a long way toward lasting outcomes, like higher worker morale and faster recovery. Keeping humanity in mind support both your workforce and your customers.
Clear, Transparent Communication
All throughout and following a crisis, workers have to know what’s taking place at the office and any role they might have in it. When helping staff members manage sudden change, it’s crucial to keep some feeling of normalcy by using frequent two-way communication.
Try to be reasonable and comforting during difficult times. Use a tone that expresses confidence and dependability. Don’t make wild predictions and false promises. Any messaging ought to be supportive and optimistic, as opposed to panicked or grief-stricken.
Leverage existing communication channels, such as email, the company intranet, text messages, social media profiles and the official company website. Using a number of different channels concurrently helps to reach people with vital information, especially if availability of internet access and power are concerns.
Support Relief Efforts
Your staff members who were not hard-hit by the disaster will likely want to help with relief efforts, both inside and outside the company.
Giving staff members the chance to support relief efforts can help lower stress and provide a greater sense of control over the situation. This kind of relief support also acts as a source of organizational pride and gives employees a greater sense of purpose.
The specific ways your company supports employee relief activities doesn’t matter so much as the support itself. Each contribution is one step closer to restoration and prosperity for all involved.
Cater to Your Customers
When it comes to your customers, start by assisting those directly impacted by the crisis. This can mean delivering essential items and services needed from a humanitarian point of view.
Second, it’s critical to concentrate on the business side of looking after customers. As always, communication is key. Work to ensure customers know what’s taking place internally and how your company is trying to deliver on its goods and services. They’ll probably be understanding if you’re not capable of providing the normal degree of service. However, make sure they know how you’re handling their most pressing needs and how you’re aiming to deliver on past promises.
We Can Help Your Company in Its On-Going Recovery
At ZDA, we’re working harder than ever to help companies get back up to speed and move forward. Please contact us today to find out how we can help your company.
